Editorial policy

Facts first

• Figures come from the source named next to them. Reliability numbers come from our methodology, applied the same way to every model.
• We never invent reviews, ratings, user counts or statistics.
• A "checked" date moves only when someone has checked again.

Guides

Every buying guide answers one question a buyer asks, answer first, in plain English. Rules, prices and dates come from the body that sets them: the DVLA, the DVSA, GOV.UK, TfL and the councils that run clean air zones. Each guide shows the date it was last reviewed, and we review it again whenever a rule it covers changes.

Reliability data

The UK MOT Reliability Index is computed from 104.9 million MOT tests (2022 to 2024). Every model is compared with cars of the same age and mileage, so an older car is never marked down for its age. A model needs enough tests before it gets a page. The full method, with every threshold, is on our methodology page, and the data is free to download.

Keeping it current

• Provider prices on the comparison pages: re-checked every month.
• Reliability figures: rebuilt when the DVSA publishes a new year of MOT results.
• Tax, ULEZ and number plate rules: checked against the official source when they change, and dated on the page.

Comparing car checks

Our best car check UK page compares every provider on facts read from its own site: price, packs, guarantee, data source and its own Trustpilot score, re-checked every month. Our own check appears as a factual profile, marked as ours, with no rating or verdict for itself.

Corrections

Spot something wrong? Email hello@getfreecarcheck.co.uk. We check it, fix it and date the change.